Salvation Army holiday bell ringers wanted

Wanted: Someone who likes to work outdoors, meet new people and spread holiday cheer. Must be willing to stand for something, all day. No experience necessary, but bell ringing skill essential.

Would you be willing to fill the shoes of a Salvation Army holiday bell ringer, those men and women standing (all day long) beside giant red kettles, ringing a big bell outside stores and collecting cash donations to help the needy? Some are volunteers, some are hired hands.

Last week, I visited a job fair in Pompano Beach hosted by the Community Redevelopment Agency and local Salvation Army chapter, specifically to hire men and women aspiring to wear white collared shirts (that they supply themselves) and stand outside amid South Florida heat, rain and humidity to meet and greet passersby, wishing each one a happy holiday while ringing a big bell, while subtly seeking charitable donations during the worst of times.

All for $8 an hour.

"I could definitely do that, I would enjoy it," said Tamika Muten-Baker, a 31-year-old married mother of a 2-year-old girl, hoping the temp job will help make ends meet. Muten-Baker could not afford a babysitter for daughter Amarimuy, so she brought her along.

"If I get the job I could afford a babysitter," she said, after spending 20 minutes filling out applications and undergoing a 10-minute instant interview. She is a student at Florida Career College and hasn't worked since her daughter was born. "I would love this job. We could use the extra money."

That was also the case for Corey Graham, an unemployed TV repairman and former credit card protection telephone sales representative.

Graham spent 10 minutes answering questions ranging from whether he could withstand barbs from grumpy people who may say things like "What's so merry about the holiday" and "that bell is annoying," to how he would keep himself energized and productive an entire shift: "I would hum a Christmas carol in my head I suppose," Graham responded.

"I can interact with people," he told his Salvation Army interviewer. "I can get a smile out them."

And hopefully a little charity too. Consider that the Salvation Army bell ringers in Broward County raked in about $230,000 last year from the public. With similar chapters throughout South Florida and the country, chances are you will pass one on your way to a store. If you have the right stuff, contact your local Salvation Army office to inquire.

And when you hear those chimes the next time you visit a store, take a moment to think about the person behind the bell.